Meat Lovers Pizza Casserole

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

If you love the bold flavors of a loaded pizza but want the ease of a baked casserole, this dish is for you. It packs Italian sausage, pepperoni, and ground beef into one cheesy, saucy masterpiece. The pasta makes it extra filling, while the seasoning and bell pepper bring just the right amount of freshness. Plus, it’s customizable, easy to prepare, and reheats beautifully for leftovers.

Ingredients

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

• 1 lb Italian sausage

• 1/2 lb pepperoni slices

• 1 lb ground beef

• 24 oz marinara sauce

• 2 cups mozzarella, shredded

• 1/2 cup parmesan, grated

• 16 oz penne pasta

• 1 tsp Italian seasoning

• 1 green bell pepper, diced

Directions

1. Preheat oven to 375°F.

2. Cook pasta until al dente, then drain and set aside.

3. In a large skillet, brown Italian sausage, ground beef, and diced bell pepper until meat is cooked through. Drain excess fat.

4. In a large mixing bowl, combine cooked pasta, browned meats, pepperoni, and marinara sauce. Mix well.

5. Transfer mixture to a greased baking dish.

6. Top with mozzarella, parmesan, and Italian seasoning.

7. Bake for 25 minutes, or until cheese is melted and bubbly.

8. For a golden, crisp topping, broil for an additional 2 minutes before serving.

Servings and timing

This recipe makes about 8 servings.
Prep time: 15 minutes
Cook time: 30 minutes
Total time: 45 minutes

Variations

• Use turkey sausage or ground turkey for a lighter version.

• Add mushrooms, onions, or olives for extra veggie flavor.

• Swap penne for rotini, rigatoni, or even gluten-free pasta.

• Try a spicy marinara or add red pepper flakes for heat.

• Replace pepperoni with salami for a different flavor profile.

Storage/Reheating

Refrigerate leftovers in an airtight container for up to 4 days. To reheat, cover and warm in a 350°F oven for 15–20 minutes, or microwave in short intervals until heated through. For freezing, wrap portions tightly and store for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.

FAQs

1. Can I make this casserole ahead of time?

Yes, you can assemble it a day in advance, cover, and refrigerate. Bake when ready, adding a few extra minutes to the cooking time.

2. Can I freeze Meat Lovers Pizza Casserole before baking?

Yes, assemble the casserole, cover tightly, and freeze. Thaw overnight before baking as directed.

3. Can I use different cheeses?

Absolutely. Cheddar, provolone, or a pizza blend all work well.

4. Can I make it vegetarian?

Yes, substitute the meats with plant-based sausage, veggie pepperoni, or extra vegetables.

5. What pasta shape works best?

Penne is great, but you can use rigatoni, rotini, or any pasta that holds sauce well.

6. How do I make it spicier?

Add red pepper flakes, spicy sausage, or hot pepperoni.

7. Can I use homemade marinara sauce?

Yes, homemade marinara adds a fresh, rich flavor.

8. Do I have to broil it at the end?

No, but broiling gives you that bubbly, slightly crisp cheese topping.

9. Can I make this dairy-free?

Yes, use your favorite dairy-free cheese alternatives.

10. What should I serve with this casserole?

A fresh green salad and garlic bread pair perfectly.

Conclusion

This Meat Lovers Pizza Casserole delivers everything you love about pizza in a hearty, baked pasta form. It’s meaty, cheesy, and bursting with flavor, making it perfect for busy weeknights, potlucks, or a cozy weekend dinner. With its easy prep, make-ahead options, and endless variations, it’s sure to become a go-to family favorite.

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